The Laiterie des Ardennes and the Solarec factory in Libramont produce more than 100,000 tonnes of powdered milk each year, and export 80% of it all over the world: to Africa, South America, the Middle East, South Asia.
“The problem is that countries which were until now importers have become exportersexplains Benoît Hoscheit, director of Laiterie des Ardennes: China, Russia, Pakistan and Argentina, in particular. And competition for small European factories is difficult to sustain because of production or environmental standards and wage costs.“
The Walloon dairy group therefore decided to change course and produce less milk powder and more high-value dairy products. “From April we will produce protein concentrate for the fitness market. Then, we will produce UHT fresh cream for the catering industry, more butter for bakers, and lactose-free milk..” Production intended more for the European market than for large-scale exports.
A significant investment is also planned at the Baudour factory (Hainaut) where the dairy group has already been producing mozzarella since 2022.We will install a second line to produce different types of cheese such as gouda, edam or cheddar.“
A significant investment accompanies this change in business model: 143 million euros by 2030.
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